• Primarily based at the Brunswick office (currently work from home)
• Fixed term until 30 June 2021
• Choose between 0.6 – 1 EFT

About the Organisation

The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (also known as Foundation House) provides services to advance the health, wellbeing and human rights of people of refugee backgrounds in Victoria who have experienced torture or other traumatic events in their country of origin or while fleeing those countries. The organisation was established in Melbourne in 1987 and is non-denominational, politically neutral and non-aligned. Foundation House is a state-wide agency offering services in metropolitan, regional and rural areas, with head office based in Brunswick. We have approximately 200 staff with metropolitan regional offices in Dallas, Sunshine, Dandenong and Ringwood.

About the role

We are seeking a Counsellor Advocate to work in partnership with the Foundation House Community Project Workers and Community Advisors from refugee background communities who will be part of the project, to provide a range of interventions designed to address the psychological effects and social consequences arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The position provides group work, counselling and advocacy and interventions with people of refugee backgrounds who have permanent residency or who are asylum seekers.

Delivery of group programs jointly with the Community Project Workers will be a key aspect of this role. Undertaking intake assessments, particularly arising from the community outreach and group work, and undertaking individual assessments and short-term counselling will be required.

At present the majority of Foundation House’s work is done remotely, however outreach work will in future be conducted in homes, schools, community settings when possible.

About you

You will be able to demonstrate your experience providing therapeutic interventions including group work, advocacy and risk assessment. With a demonstrated understanding of trauma informed practice models in working with individuals, families and the community.

This role is well suited to candidates who are organised, client-focused, committed to engaging with community members in delivery of services, and who can effectively manage tasks and deadlines while maintaining a high degree of self-awareness and professionalism. You will also demonstrate a positive, creative and collaborative approach to the delivery of these vital services. Previous experience in working or with Refugees and Asylum Seekers will be highly regarded.

Salary and benefits

Remuneration is based on our Enterprise Agreement 2014 up to $91,746 gross per annum. Benefits include salary packaging, leave loading, onsite parking, and a range of flexible working options, a highly supportive team environment, excellent training, support and development opportunities.

Conditional employment requirements:

1. Satisfactory police check
2. Working with Children Check
3. Proof of the right to work and live in Australia

VFST promotes the safety and well-being of children

VFST is an equal opportunity employer.

For any enquiries regarding the position please contact Mardi Stow, Manager Community Capacity Building on 9389 8904 or Maria Tucci, Project Leader on 9389 8957.